HOPE, North Carolina!

The lovely and talented Hope Larson, author/illustrator of the amazing Chiggers, was one of many magnificent early voters who got out to the voting booth to cast their ballots in North Carolina yesterday!

Election 2008: Close race fuels massive early voting in North Carolina

The North Carolina State Board of Elections is reporting that over 100,000 voters cast ballots yesterday, the first day of early voting in the state.

In that one day, Democrats had the clear advantage:

State Board of Elections data showed that 64 percent of voters who went to the polls Thursday were registered Democrats, while 21 percent of voters were registered Republicans. Another 15 percent were unaffiliated.

The record turnout, especially among Democrats, is being fueled by the sense that, for the first time in decades, North Carolina is in play. Both presidential campaigns are investing heavily in NC, although Obama is outspending McCain 2-1 in advertising.

Sarah Palin made two campaigns stops in NC this week, and Obama will lead a rally in Fayetteville -- the heart of NC military country -- this weekend.

Another boost for early voting turnout: North Carolina is the only state in the South with same-day voter registration, which boosts the ability of candidates to bring new voters to the polls.

--The Institute for Southern Studies

VOTE for CHANGE, North Carolina!

And after you vote, do a little dance because you are wonderful, and it's DANCE POLITICAL PARTY FRIDAY!